Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Art Retreat Event: Handmade U

In May 2011, I was introduced to Michelle Geller at Kim Caldwell's Moulin Rouge event. We didn't really get a chance to talk so I was happy to learn that she was a part of the Altered Book Round Robin hosted by Julie Weller that I've been participating in since January. Through Facebook and Instagram I've come to feel like I know Michelle. That's the magic of social media!When Michelle announced that sign-ups were open for Handmade U I had to check it out. This special September 2012 event is a weekend art retreat with a focus on mixed-media art journaling. Michelle's friend, Rachel Velder McGough, hosts a fabulous weekend of Workshops and Make-and-Takes that bring together women from all over the world to Omaha, NE to spend an unforgettable weekend making art and friendships! This 3rd Semester event will feature artists Hope Karney Wallace and Liesel Lund as instructors, as well as Michelle Geller and Shelley Overholt as make and take teachers!

Although I'm not able to attend Handmade U this time, I just had to be a part of the fun so I made an Art Journal Workshop Apron for Rachel to give away at this special event. I created an embroidered Handmade U logo on linen, added on some whimsical ruffles and finished it off with heart shaped trim. Most of the fabric is from the cheery Pom Pom De Paris collection, by Kaari Meng from French General. One of my favorite details on this apron is a piece of fabric imported from England that features a lady with a basket and the caption says "For Your Pleasure Madam". So random!

I'm really happy with the way this apron turned out and I just might have to make some more along the same lines! I can't get enough of this French General fabric. Check out my Etsy shop to see more of my handmade workshop aprons. I'd love to hear what you think about this design, let me know in the comments!

Are you ready to take your creativity to the next level? Check out the Handmade U - Fall 2012 (3rd semester) event page to learn more about this amazing event that begins on September 20-22 in Omaha, NE . Sign up today, spaces are filling up fast!

About Me

With a passion for arts and crafts, a degree in Business Management, and a background in Online Marketing, I often find myself having a total identity crisis. I'm now involved in the wonderful world of letterpress printing and you can sometimes find me in my print studio. I love Steampunk, weddings, British Romantic Comedies, sewing and quilting, paper crafting, making jewelry, the UK Union Flag, fingerpainting, photography, rainstorms, shabby, industrial and prairie chic, unicorn hunting, pancake eating and needle felting. I love it all, no matter how crazy and broke it makes my husband. Find me on etsy in my shop CalliopeStudio: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CalliopeStudio You can also learn more by going to my blog: www.artandlovealchemy.blogspot.comCheers, Christine Barker